Downhole Tool Degradation via Triggered Energetic Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole tools face challenges with uncontrolled disintegration due to corrosion reactions, leading to uncertainties in service life and well operations, which can delay hydrocarbon production and complicate well planning.
Innovation Solution
A downhole assembly featuring a degradable-on-demand material comprising a matrix material and an energetic material, along with a triggering system that allows for controlled disintegration through activation of the energetic material, enabling precise timing and monitoring of tool status and well conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If self-disintegrating downhole tools are used to avoid milling or drilling operations, then disposal time and cost are reduced, but the disintegration process cannot be controlled and may start prematurely due to corrosion reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a triggering system with an electrical circuit and igniter that remains inactive during tool service. The igniter is preliminarily positioned to ignite the energetic material only when the electrical circuit closes, which occurs after a predetermined time period or upon receiving a signal. This preliminary arrangement ensures the tool disintegrates only when intended, preventing premature disintegration while maintaining the benefit of rapid disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of the energetic material from stable to reactive by controlling the electrical circuit closure. The electrical circuit can be closed after a predetermined time period (time-based parameter change) or upon receiving a signal (signal-based parameter change). This parameter control allows the tool to maintain structural integrity during service and then rapidly disintegrate when the parameter condition is met, resolving the contradiction between controlled disintegration and rapid disposal.
2Strength
If degradable materials with high mechanical strength are used to maintain tool integrity during service, then the material must have minimal disintegration initially, but rapid disintegration is needed after tool function is complete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent preliminarily configures the tool with degradable materials that have high mechanical strength and minimal initial disintegration. The triggering system with igniter is preliminarily positioned but remains inactive. When triggered, the igniter rapidly ignites the energetic material, causing swift disintegration. This preliminary configuration allows the tool to maintain strength throughout its service life and then rapidly disintegrate when needed, resolving the contradiction between maintaining strength and enabling rapid disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes to control the disintegration process. The electrical circuit closure after a predetermined time period or upon signal receipt changes the state from stable to reactive. This parameter control ensures the tool maintains its mechanical properties during the required service duration and then rapidly disintegrates when the parameter condition is satisfied, balancing strength maintenance with controlled rapid disposal.
3Ease of operation
If the disintegration period is determined by well conditions and material properties rather than being controllable, then the disintegration process is automatic, but it causes uncertainties in well operations and planning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism through the triggering system. The electrical circuit can be closed based on a predetermined time period (time-based feedback) or upon receiving a signal (signal-based feedback). This feedback control provides information about when disintegration should occur, allowing operators to plan well operations with certainty while maintaining automatic disintegration functionality. The system feedbacks the disintegration timing to the control system, resolving the contradiction between automatic operation and timing predictability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables controlled and timely disintegration of downhole tools, maintaining mechanical integrity during service and accelerating disintegration once the tool is no longer needed, thereby optimizing well operations and production timelines.
Implementation Method 1
an energetic material configured to generate energy upon activation to facilitate the degradation of the downhole tool
Implementation Method 2
an igniter within the electrical circuit, the igniter arranged to ignite the downhole tool in the closed condition of the electrical circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole assembly includes a downhole tool including a degradable-on-demand material including: a matrix material; and, an energetic material configured to generate energy upon activation to facilitate the degradation of the downhole tool; and, a triggering system including: an electrical circuit having an open condition and a closed condition, the electrical circuit configured to be in the closed condition after movement of an object downhole that engages directly or indirectly with the triggering system; and, an igniter within the electrical circuit, the igniter arranged to ignite the downhole tool in the closed condition of the electrical circuit. In the open condition of the electrical circuit the igniter is inactive, and in the closed condition of the electrical circuit the igniter is activated.